Malcolm Koonce | Photo by Brooke Sutton/Getty Images Starting pass-rusher suffered knee injury ahead of Week 1 game UPDATE Sept. 20, 4:42 p.m.: Malcolm Koonce’s knee injury is season-ending, according to NFL Insider Jordan Schultz. Koonce originally injured his knee in practice before the season opener against the Chargers. He’s also in a contract year this season. The Raiders will be relying on Tyree Wilson, Janarius Robinson, Charles Snowden and K’Lavon Chaisson (practice squad) to fill the edge spot opposite Maxx Crosby moving forward. BREAKING: #Raiders pass rusher Malcolm Koonce suffered a serious knee injury during a recent practice and will miss the entire season, per multiple sources. A devastating blow for Koonce, who’s coming off a career-best 8 sacks and 3 forced fumbles, and was entering the final… pic.twitter.com/MH5MpAQUVY — Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) September 20, 2024 PREVIOUSLY: Saturday, the Las Vegas Raiders placed starting pass-rusher Malcolm Koonce on the injured reserve with a knee injury. He will miss, at least, four games. Pass-rusher Charles Snowden was signed to the active roster from the practice squad. They also elevated cornerback Sam Webb from the practice squad for Sunday’s game at the Los Angeles Chargers. #Raiders roster moves: – Signed #49 DE Charles Snowden to the active roster – Placed DE Malcolm Koonce on the Reserve/Injured list – Activated #27 CB Sam Webb from the practice squad — Raiders PR (@RAIDERS_PR) September 7, 2024 PREVIOUSLY The Las Vegas Raiders were expected to be mostly healthy for Sunday’s season-opening game at the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium (1:05 p.m. PT Kickoff), but that changed Thursday afternoon. Friday, Las Vegas coach Antonio Pierce announced starting defensive end Malcolm Koonce will not play because of a knee injury he sustained in practice Thursday. It is not known how long Koonce will be out. There has been some talk that the Raiders are being cautious, especially since the SoFi turf has played havoc with knees in the past. Either Janarius Robinson or 2023 first-round pick Tyree Wilson will start opposite Las Vegas star pass-rusher Maxx Crosby against a strong Chargers’ defensive front. It wouldn’t be a surprise if the Raiders bring up defensive end Charles Snowden from the practice squad for the game since Robison and Wilson are the only backups behind Crosby and Koonce. Pierce expressed confidence in both Robinson and Wilson, even though both don’t have much NFL experience. Koonce has become a big part of the Raiders’ defense. The fourth-year player, who may be in line for a contract extension as he is a free agent after the season, had eight of his 10 career sacks last season. All of his last season came in the final game games when he was a terror on the field. UPDATE: The Raiders released their injury report Friday afternoon and joining Koonce as players not playing Sunday are rookies, second-round pick guard Jackson Johnson-Powers (he is ill) and cornerback, fourth-round pick Decamerion Richardson (hamstring). They were both expected to be backups in the game. With Richardson out, the Raiders’ thin depth at cornerback is taking another hit. Frist-round pick, tight end Brock Bowers is off the injury report and he will play. He was dealing with a foot injury They could elevate MJ Devonshire or Sam Webb from the practice squad. #Raiders injury report:– DE Malcolm Koonce (knee) – OUT– CB Decamerion Richardson (hamstring) – OUT– G Jackson Powers Johnson (illness) – OUT– LB Tommy Eichenberg (knee) – QUESTIONABLE — Tashan Reed (@tashanreed) September 6, 2024 For the Chargers, starting receiver DJ Chark is out and cornerback Asante Samuel is questionable. As expected, quarterback Justin Herbert is not on the final injury report. He was dealing with plantar fasciitis. Chargers injury report: WR DJ Chark (hip) is out for Sunday’s game. CB Tarheeb Still (hip) questionableCB Asante Samuel Jr. (shoulder) questionable. — Kris Rhim (@krisrhim1) September 6, 2024
Breaking news: Malcolm Koonce to miss entire season, per report
Bills vs. Jaguars: 3 key matchups to watch in Week 3
Bills vs. Jaguars: 3 key matchups to watch in Week 3 Bills vs. Jaguars: 3 key matchups to watch in Week 3 Nick Wojton The Buffalo Bills host the Jacksonville Jaguars in their upcoming Week 3 matchup. Even with it being an important AFC clash, it will still be the games, within the game, that will make all the difference. Here are three key matchups to watch during Monday’s Bills-Jaguars contest: OL Dion Dawkins vs. Josh-Hines Allen (Photo by Henry Browne/Getty Images) While Hines-Allen only has recorded one sack so far in 2024, he’s still doing pretty well in for a good overall defensive front in Jacksonville. Pro Football Focus grades him as the NFL’s sixth-best edge defender through two weeks. Considering he is watching Bills quarterback Josh Allen’s blindside, Dawkins has to play well. WR Keon Coleman vs. S Andre Cisco (Photo by Courtney Culbreath/Getty Images) Each week it seems like a new player is stepping up in the passing game for the Bills which has complemented the rushing efforts of James Cook very well. This might be a good time to show why Coleman is a deep threat. PFF is not the end all, be all, but let’s be frank: It’s never good when the football analytics outlet ranks you as the worst player at your position in the entire NFL. That’s what Cisco currently is. Get Coleman on his side of the field and send him deep. LB Baylon Spector vs. RB Travis Etienne Jr. (Photo by Eakin Howard/Getty Images) Spector has the confidence of his team. He is going to make his first start since the postseason in 2023 against the Kansas City Chiefs as Terrel Bernard (pectoral) is expected to miss a few weeks. Even so, Etienne is a good playmaker. There’s a reason why Buffalo wanted to draft him years ago. Spector is not solely going to be tasked with stopped him, but when he has his shots at the running back Spector has to stop him. Read all the best Bills coverage at the Democrat and Chronicle and Bills Wire.
Houston Texans at Minnesota Vikings: Friday Injury Reports
Some bad news for the purple It’s Friday, and that means we have the final injury reports of Week 3 for the Minnesota Vikings and the Houston Texans ahead of their matchup at U.S. Bank Stadium on Sunday. Let’s take a look at who’s already been declared out, among other things. As has been the case all week, two of the Texans’ primary running backs did not practice on Friday. Pierce has been declared out and Mixon has been listed as doubtful, so it looks like it’s going to be the Cam Akers show in the Houston backfield on Sunday. Three other players have been declared as questionable for the Texans, but one of them is their starting center in Scruggs and the other is his backup in Patterson. That could present a problem up front for the visiting team. The Vikings are officially down three starters going into Sunday’s game. Addison’s absence was pretty much expected and Turner told the media on Thursday that he was going to miss this Sunday’s game but be back for the Week 4 matchup in Green Bay. Pace wound up not practicing on Friday as he’s now dealing with an ankle issue to go along with the quad problem he was dealing with previously. Outside of those three players, everyone else on the Vikings’ injury report had a full practice on Friday and none were given an injury designation for Sunday. Those are the final injury reports of the week for the Vikings and the Texans ahead of Sunday’s clash of 2-0 teams in Minneapolis. We’ll have more coverage of this one as we get closer to kickoff.
Phinsider Victory Of The Week Open Thread Vol. 602
It’s Friday, so it’s time for us to welcome you to another VOTW post. Today’s open conversation prompt is just that – what is your victory for this week? Did something extraordinary happen this week? Is it the small thing worth celebrating? Was it Miami Dolphins related? Was it in your professional life? Your personal life? We all had something, big or small, that was a victory, and we want to know what yours was. This post is yours, the site member, aka one of our family here at the Phinsider. This post is your chance to share your victory from the last week. Your victory can be huge, like the birth of a new child/grandchild or finally getting that job or promotion you worked your rear off for. It can be a small thing like you won $100 on your lottery scratch-off ticket, or maybe it was a great overall week for you for another reason you wish to share. It’s your post and victory, so please feel free to share it with the rest of the site in the comment section below.
Giants WR Jalin Hyatt denies trade request rumors
Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images The second-year receiver shot down the report he asked to be dealt Over the first two weeks of the NFL season, Jalin Hyatt hasn’t seen much action for the New York Giants. The second-year wide receiver appeared to be trending upwards after a solid rookie campaign in which he hauled in 23 catches for 373 yards. His ability to beat teams down the field seemed to be that could help the former third-round pick see the field more, but that hasn’t been the case thus far this season. Hyatt has clearly been the fourth receiver behind Malik Nabers, Wan’Dale Robinson, and Darius Slayton. ESPN’s Jordan Ranaan reported Friday that Hyatt said during the summer that the Giants should trade him if they weren’t going to use him. Hyatt denied those rumors when he spoke to the media on Friday. Jalin Hyatt denies a report that he said if he wasn’t going to be used by the Giants, they should trade him: “That’s false. I love being here.” pic.twitter.com/5jPIxh0Zj1 — Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) September 20, 2024 Hyatt admitted that he “loves being here” in reference to being a member of the New York Giants, as he showed respect for general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll, citing how the franchise traded up to draft him. “I didn’t say that. I don’t know where that came from, but that’s false,” Hyatt said. “I love being here. Joe (Schoen), Dabs (Brian Daboll), I got so much respect for trading up for me and getting me. So, whatever that rumor was, it’s not true at all. “It’s false reports. I never said anything about being traded or going somewhere else, especially not in the summer.” The second-year wide receiver seemed genuinely surprised by the report. “I feel like it’s a fake story. I feel like it’s somebody’s out to get me or something,” he said. “I didn’t say anything about not wanting to be here.” Hyatt has played only 28 offensive snaps. He has a single target and no receptions. Hyatt spent much of training camp with the first team and told Ranaan he did not see his limited role coming: “I thought I had a very, very good training camp and they told me I did. They told me I had a great training camp, but there are things that I can’t control, and I am disappointed about it, but at the end of the day, I’m just going to keep getting better and my chance will come, and when it comes I will be ready.” Hyatt’s playing time going forward will be worth watching.
Kayvon Thibodeaux: ‘It’s definitely tough when you can’t get off the field’
John Jones-Imagn Images Thibodeaux knows the defense must be better, especially on third down situations. Kayvon Thibodeaux is very well aware of the New York Giants‘ struggles on the defensive side of the football. Coming off an 11.5-sack season, Thibodeaux hasn’t recorded a sack through two games this season, as the Giants pass rush hasn’t been able to capitalize. Leading up to the team’s game against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, Thibodeaux spoke to the media about the Giants’ struggles, the upcoming contest, and a player who will be on the opposing sidelines and whom he says he models his game after. On potentially capitalizing on a banged-up Browns offensive line “I mean still really never look too deep into kind of midweek stuff because you never know who will play, who won’t play. So, just consistently getting better at our craft, focusing on us, and still breaking down each tackle and kind of preparing for the game.” On the difficulty of playing when the defense can’t get off the field “It’s difficult. Very. Yes, it’s definitely tough when you can’t get off the field.” Why did the defense struggle to get off the field? “I think third downs, they converted. Anytime a team converts on fourth down, third down, it extends the drive.” Thibodeaux’s thoughts on the Browns “Great team. The quarterback is a magician. Up front, they’re very solid. One of the bigger teams up front. They like to move people. They like to run the ball. So, you’re definitely going to have to stop the run and be ready to set edges and get after the quarterback.” On teams chipping him and Brian Burns “Yeah, they’ve been chipping both of us. And I think that’s what’s going to continue to happen. Double-team Dex. And it’s been a lot of like two-man routes. Even looking back at the first game we played, there was a lot of chips, and they were sending two-man routes. Second game, a little less than the first, but they still had some, too. So, I don’t expect it to go away. I think with our D-line and the people we have teams are going to continue to scheme around it. So, yeah, we got to be prepared for that.” What makes Myles Garrett so good? “You either have a lot of talent, or you have a lot of skill, or you’re Myles Garrett. And he’s a guy who is a Hall of Famer. He’s a guy I looked up to coming out of high school. And he’s going to continue to dominate the league for a long time. And definitely look at his game and try to model mine after him. He’s relentless, whether it’s run, whether it’s pass, the moves he uses. He’s a lot bigger than me, but when you still just talk about the mindset that he gives to the game, with his preparation, his body, film and everything else, he’s really a pro.”
Welp, now the Rams kicker is hurt too
Photo by Brandon Sloter/Getty Images The most injured team in the NFL might not have kicker Joshua Karty this week against the 49ers As if the Los Angeles Rams injury problems were not serious enough, kicker Joshua Karty is questionable to play against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 3 due to a groin injury. Head coach Sean McVay told the media that he is not sure if Karty will be ready to play on Sunday, meaning that L.A. might need to elevate Tanner Brown from the practice squad this weekend to face the Niners. The Rams also ruled out Cooper Kupp, as expected, as well as tight end Davis Allen. Two other questionable players are defensive tackle Bobby Brown III and cornerback Cobie Durant, who is dealing with a toe injury according to the injury report. If the Rams have to play without Durant, that will make yet another cornerback missing games due to injury, joining Darious Williams and Derion Kendrick, both of whom are on IR. TE Davis Allen and WR Cooper Kupp will be listed as OUT for Sunday vs. SF. K Joshua Karty (groin), CB Cobie Durant (toe) and DL Bobby Brown will be listed as QUESTIONABLE. Sean McVay said he won’t know whether Karty will be able to go on Sunday until after practice today. — Sarah Barshop (@sarahbarshop) September 20, 2024 Who could have guessed that the healthiest cornerback on the team would be Tre’Davious White?
Week 3 picks: Who are the NFL experts taking in Ravens at Cowboys
NFL experts are picking the Ravens over the Cowboys in Week 3 Week 3 picks: Who are the NFL experts taking in Ravens at Cowboys glenn erby The Ravens will depart Baltimore for a must-win Sunday afternoon matchup against the Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. The Ravens are 0-2 for the second time in team history, and a loss would drop the team to 0-3 and put them in danger of being entirely out of the AFC playoff picture. The expert picks are in, and Baltimore is the overwhelming favorite despite being the road team. The MMQB –Ravens Sep 15, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) throws during the second half against the Las Vegas Raiders at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images The experts at the MMQB are rolling with Baltimore. ESPN –Cowboys ARLINGTON, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 15: Trevon Diggs #7 of the Dallas Cowboys looks on from the sideline during the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Saints at AT&T Stadium on September 15, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images) Seven of 11 experts at ESPN are picking Dallas. CBS Sports –Ravens Sep 15, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) speaks with quarterback coach Tee Martin during the first half against the Las Vegas Raiders at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images Pete Prisco at CBS Sports is picking the Ravens. This game has lost some luster with the Ravens at 0-2 and the Cowboys getting blown out last week. Both teams have issues, but the biggest is the Ravens offensive line. After watching what the Saints did to the Dallas defense, they will overcome that and run Derrick Henry. The Ravens will get their first victory on the road against the Cowboys. NFL.com –Ravens Sep 15, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) leaps over Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jakorian Bennett (0) during the first half at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images Three of five experts at NFL.com are picking the Ravens to win on the road. The Athletic — Ravens Sep 15, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) throws during the second half against the Las Vegas Raiders at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images All five experts at The Athletic are picking Baltimore. 33rd Team –Ravens Sep 15, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry (22) runs with the ball as Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Charles Snowden (49) attempts a tackle during the second half against the Las Vegas Raiders at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images Marcus Mosher and the 33rd Team are picking Balitmore. USA Today — Ravens Sep 15, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Nelson Agholor (15) runs with the ball during the second half against the Las Vegas Raiders at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images Five of six experts at USA Today are picking Baltimore. Baltimore Sun –Ravens Dec 10, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Tylan Wallace (16) runs with the ball during the second half against the Los Angeles Rams at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jessica Rapfogel-USA TODAY Sports Four of six writers at the Baltimore Sun are picking the Ravens.
Joe Burrow is very excited about Erick All’s progress and the Bengals TE room
Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images You love to see it. Joe Burrow finally has a tight end with upside. And the Cincinnati Bengals franchise QB is pretty happy about it. Rookie Erick All Jr. has been a sight to behold, thanks to both his pass-catching ability and his fantastic blocking. When asked about All’s great progress, Burrow said: “He just gets better. He does nothing but work hard and improve and learn from his mistakes and continue to get better every day. He’s got all the physical tools. He’s big, fast, strong, catches it really well. And he’s continuing to understand what we’re trying to do with concept and scheme, so I’m excited about his future,” said Burrow. Burrow also said it’s “very unique” to see All absorb so much of the offense this early. He then said that the Bengals have two rookies, All and Jermaine Burton, who are “continuing to get a lot better for us” and that the Bengals are “counting on” them, along with injured rookie tackle Amarius Mims. Burrow also discussed the offense’s evolution because of the depth of the tight end room. “The usage of 12 [personnel] could vary week-to-week depending on matchups and what we feel like the defense is going to give us in those situations,” Burrow said. “And we have the guys to make that decision this year. We have a lot of tight ends that we feel really good about putting them on the field and going to make plays, so that’s a luxury that we have this year.” All is coming off a well-rounded game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Will we see him more involved in the offense against the Washington Commanders? We break down the game and discuss the evolution of Dan Pitcher’s unit in the video below. You can also listen on iTunes or using the player below:
Norse Code Podcast Episode 523: Darnold’s Ghosts (with guest Cody Stoots)
Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images Arif and James are back to preview the Texans game with Cody Stoots. We also go over Bryce Young’s backup possibilities, the turnover battle this year, and a number of questions about Star Trek because our Discord got distracted by it this week. *****Download Link Here***** Episode Notes: Follow Cody Stoots’ Substack In the offseason, I wrote about first-round busts that found a way to revive their careers Here’s a piece from Mike Florio in 2014 about how Pete Carroll wanted to do away with the inactive list Some CFL ratings have dipped but I’m not confident it’s a crisis This is behind my private equity joke My new podcast! 60 Minute Drill Follow us on Twitter Arif – @ArifHasanNFL James – @bigmono Cody – @Cody_Stoots To listen to more, this is the link to that iTunes feed. If you can’t for whatever reason subscribe via iTunes, subscribe to via our RSS feed, which should support the RSS reader or podcast organizer of your choice. You can still leave a review even if you can’t subscribe via iTunes because it’s easy to create an AppleID. We also have a YouTube channel. Our podcasts are automatically uploaded there. You can visit our shop here. Buy a onesie? Maybe a wiggler sticker? But we also have a Patreon and that should make it even easier to support the best podcast for your Minnesota Vikings. We have a discord just for our Patreon supporters, along with special edition episodes. Check it out here. If you wanted to donate via Paypal instead of Patreon, head to this link. And if you want something to show off your support of the show, buy our merch! We have multiple designs. Please do not buy a shower curtain. Once again, contact me at arifmhasan (at) gmail dot com or the podcast at NorseCodePodcast (at) gmail dot com. Follow us on twitter at @NorseCodeDN or just me @ArifHasanNFL
